Thailand is the first nation in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage after King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed it into law as reported by the Royal Gazette on Tuesday.
After the parliament passed the bill in June, King Vajiralongkorn gave royal assent to the new law which will take effect after 120 days or in January 2025.
LGBTQ advocates called this a “monumental step” as Thailand follows in the footsteps of Asian neighbors Taiwan and Nepal to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
“The law is a monumental step towards equal rights in Thailand,” LGBTQ rights advocate Waadao Chumaporn told an international news agency, adding that she plans to organize a mass wedding for LGBTQ couples in Bangkok on the first day the law takes effect.
LGBTQ advocate Siritata Ninlapruek expressed enthusiasm, stressing that they fought long and hard for this to happen for over 10 years, “We are all delighted and excited. We’ve been fighting for our rights for over 10 years, and now it’s finally happening.”
Joining in the celebration is Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra who took his thanks to social media with a “lovewins” hashtag saying, “Thank you for the support from all sectors. It’s a joint fight for everyone.”
Then Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin who was vocal in his support for the LGBTQ community was the one who pushed the legislation.
“Another important step for Thailand. The same-sex marriage law passes. Equality is concrete here in Thailand,” Srettha posted on X.
With this “monumental step” taken by the Thai king, there are now 37 countries in the world celebrating same-sex unions.